Infinity-Corrected Microscope Objective for High-NA Wide-Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2× microscope objectives typically have numerical apertures less than 0.1, limiting their ability to resolve smaller features in larger fields of view, and there is a desire for higher numerical apertures, larger entrance pupils, and wider fields of view.
Innovation Solution
Development of lens assemblies with higher numerical apertures (up to 0.27) and larger entrance pupils, combined with various focal lengths to achieve magnifications ranging from 0.34× to 3×, enabling improved resolution and field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 2× microscope objectives are used with 180 mm/200 mm tube lenses, then the system is simple and compatible with standard configurations, but the numerical aperture is limited to less than 0.1, reducing resolution capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the numerical aperture parameter from conventional values (<0.1) to higher values (0.14-0.27) by redesigning the objective lens optical configuration. This involves modifying lens curvatures, spacing, and materials to achieve higher NA while maintaining infinity correction, thereby improving resolution capability beyond standard configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from finite conjugate to infinity corrected optical design, adding the dimension of parallel light paths between objective and tube lens. This enables higher NA objectives to be combined with flexible tube lens configurations, resolving the contradiction between high resolution and system simplicity by providing a new architectural dimension.
2Measurement precision
If higher numerical aperture objectives are designed, then resolution improves and smaller features can be resolved, but the entrance pupil size and field of view are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a zoom lens system where the magnification can be dynamically adjusted between 1× and 3× while maintaining high numerical aperture. The variable magnification capability allows the system to adapt between larger field of view at lower magnification and higher resolution at higher magnification, resolving the static trade-off between FOV and resolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If zoom capability is added to achieve variable magnification, then versatility improves, but the system complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the zoom mechanism with the infinity corrected optical design, combining multiple lens groups into a unified system where the objective lens itself provides zoom capability. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies alignment compared to adding a standalone zoom mechanism to a fixed objective.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for higher resolution and larger field of view, with some configurations achieving doubled or more than 2.5× enlargement compared to conventional systems, while maintaining diffraction-limited performance.
Implementation Method 1
A lens system in an example embodiment includes an infinite conjugate tube lens and objective lens combination with a large entrance pupil diameter (EPD) and a large field of view (FOV)
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope assembly includes an objective lens and an infinite conjugate tube lens. The effective focal length of the objective lens is not greater than 80 mm. The numerical aperture of the microscope is 0.14 or more. The microscope exhibits a magnification of 2× or more.